Five Sustainability Measures at the Bell

When it comes to sustainability — it’s important to us that we don’t only talk the talk. 

Daryl Richard Lawrence is our Museum Facilities Manager and works to implement our building’s sustainability measures. Keep reading to learn about a few of the ways we aim to contribute to a more sustainable environment! 

1. Reusable recycling bags

Recently, the Bell has become the first unit on campus to implement the use of reusable recycling bags. These mesh, reusable recycling bags ensure that we’re not wasting unnecessary plastic. Once they’re filled with paper, the contents are simply dumped into the main recycling bin, and the bags are placed back. 

The goal is that these reusable bags can be used across the University. We’re grateful that UMN Recycling reached out to us to be the first test site!

2. Temperature regulating shades 

The shades throughout the museum work to regulate the temperature of the building and cut down on unnecessary energy consumption. Using a light sensor, the shades rise or lower based on the position and intensity of the sun. 

3. Specialty bird glass

As much of our exterior is glass, we felt it was important to do our part to reduce bird deaths. Our specialty-designed bird glass works to reduce the number of bird strikes. Being a natural history museum has its perks — if there are bird deaths, staff members know how to safely collect the carcasses and add them to our collection.

4. Environmental friendly cleaning products

We’ve moved to using as many natural, plant-based, cruelty-free cleaning products for our exhibits as possible. While we use mostly microfiber clothes, using environmentally friendly cleaning products means that when we do use paper towels they can go into organic recycling. While we aim to use these products everywhere possible, there are still a few areas — such as the bathrooms and floors — that are cleaned by UMN Facilities Management with stronger cleaning products.

5. Our very own solar array!

You may not know it because… why would you be on the roof of the Bell… but we have our very own solar array! The panels are a relatively small package but provide about 4% of the energy used by the museum daily. All energy generated from the panels flows directly into the building and helps us work towards our sustainability goals. 

Perhaps more importantly than any one measure, sustainability is an ongoing process and commitment. Lawrence shared that this work relies on carefully observing the space and learning how to control problems through adaptation. “It requires putting time and thought into what caused the problem in the first place,” Lawrence added.

Lawrence works to continually reassess our systems and works closely with great collaborators at UMN Facilities Management. For example, Lawrence and Alex Gelz recently worked together to find a dimmer switch for our Quiet Room that would cut down on energy consumption. By working together, they were able to identify the best fit for the space.

Lastly, our sustainability commitment goes beyond the walls of our museum — we’re part of an ecosystem too. Lawrence is on the committee for the Falcon Heights Climate Action Plan. This is a group of community members and representatives from organizations that are working together to develop an environmental plan for the entire neighborhood. It’s an opportunity for individuals to offer the city guidance and learn how we can reduce our environmental impact in the local area of Falcon Heights.